What inspired you to become a teacher, and how has your journey been so far?
A few years after I graduated from URI’s Dental Hygiene program I ran into a former Professor who convinced me to apply to CCRI as adjunct faculty in the Dental Assisting Department. At CCRI I fell in love with teaching and helping students attain a profession. She inspired me to get my Master’s in Education while I was working full time as a Dental Hygienist. A patient’s son was here at Tri-County in the electrical shop in 2008, and he told me about the Dental Assisting Program opening up here. The rest is history. I have the love of teaching and helping students find their way. I can’t ask for anything better.
Can you share a fun fact about yourself that your students might not know?
I was a figure skater for 15 years and was in numerous local ice shows.
Besides teaching at Tri-County, are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
My extracurricular activities include traveling, reading and cooking.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of teaching?
My hobbies tend to change as the seasons change. During the summer I love to head to the beach in South Kingstown RI and kayak. Also, in the warmer months I attempt to golf. I can’t say that I am a golfer the way I hit the ball, but it is always wonderful to walk the course. In the winter I pretty much limit it to cross country skiing in New Hampshire.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to your students?
My piece of advice to students would be to not be afraid of making mistakes. This is how we learn and grow. (Just don’t keep repeating the mistakes!) Good and bad things happen to everyone, it is what we do with it that matters. Don’t let a bad situation or experience define who you are. Use it to shape who you are and move forward. Enjoy your life!